Pepsico Has Said It Remains the Exclusive Distributor of Bang in the US.
December 4, 2020
Following Bang Energy’s termination of its 10-year distribution deal with PepsiCo and subsequent lawsuit, BD requested interviews with Bang Founder and CEO John H. “Jack” Owoc and other company officials. Owoc, on behalf of Bang Energy, agreed to answer written questions by email.
Given the high interest in the sudden dispute between Bang, one of the most important energy brands to emerge in recent years, and PepsiCo, a multinational food and beverage company, Bang’s emailed responses to BD’s questions have been included below in full, unedited.
Keurig Dr Pepper announced agreements to buy back territory from Red River Beverage Group and the Maid-Rite Company. Together, the territories include 37 counties in east Texas and northern Louisiana...
Energy Drink Maker Claims PepsiCo Breach, Interference
December 1, 2020
A 10-year distribution agreement between Bang Energy and PepsiCo that began just eight months ago has devolved into confusion and a lawsuit. On Nov. 25, bang owner Vital Pharmaceuticals, also known as VPX, sued PepsiCo in US District Court in Florida alleging that PepsiCo has breached the agreement and interfered with Bang’s business relationships. The lawsuit, reviewed by BD, comes ...
Rivera Addresses North America Bottlers, Shares Vision for ‘Moonshot’
December 1, 2020
Franchise bottlers for Coca-Cola’s North America Operating Unit recently met virtually to review innovation and system execution plans for 2021. Those plans will center on growing the base business, relaunching innovation that was disrupted in 2020, and introducing “purposeful” innovation, according to multiple sources who attended...
PepsiCo Executive Calls Decision ‘Confusing’ Given Progress
November 17, 2020
Updated: Bang Energy has cancelled its master distribution deal with PepsiCo without cause, according to a termination letter released by Bang this morning. PepsiCo's SVP of Energy Integration Eric Hanson spoke to BD about the termination in an exclusive interview ...
Stay up to speed on deals including: Coca-Cola European Partners has now signed a binding agreement for the nearly $6.8 billion acquisition of Australia-based Coca-Cola Amatil ...
Canned Water Startup Adopts Edgy Style of Energy, Beer To Create Unique Appeal
November 11, 2020
Liquid Death, the canned water startup with heavy metal branding that promises to “Murder Your Thirst,” is getting traction. BD interviewed Cessario to delve into his unique approach to the bottled water category. While the brand might be easy to dismiss as gimmicky, Cessario is a serious entrepreneur who is looking to take sales not only from PET-packaged bottled waters, but from energy drinks and beer, too. The following has been edited for clarity and space...
CEO Says Efficiency Beats Ownership When It Comes To DSD System
November 2, 2020
As BD has reported on extensively, Keurig Dr Pepper has made a series of moves this year in its direct-store-delivery system that hinted of a broader strategy at play. In June, KDP bought back production and distribution rights for RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist, 7Up, Snapple and Big Red from Indiana-based Royal Crown Bottling of Evansville. At about the same time, KDP transferred ...
Coke Partners With Molson Coors for 2021 Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Launch
October 13, 2020
Late last month, Coca-Cola went all in on the fast-growing US hard seltzer category, signing up Molson Coors Beverage to manufacture, market, and distribute Coke’s new Topo Chico hard Seltzer. Meanwhile, PepsiCo’s executives indicated they may remain on the sidelines, at least for the foreseeable future.